South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a “state of emergency” and the National Hurricane Center is forecasting South Carolina may experience severe weather tomorrow as a result of Hurricane Michael. This could result in the closure or delayed opening of state and local government offices.

I remind all county and municipal employees working within the Unified Judicial System that they should follow the decisions made by the respective county or municipal government officials in regards to office delays or closings as a result of this inclement weather. Because weather conditions may vary throughout the state, all state judicial officers and employees should follow the decisions made by county government officials regarding office delays or closings.

Judges assigned to counties operating as normal should be flexible in granting continuances to attorneys and parties who experience personal issues caused by the weather conditions that prevent their appearance in court.

Despite the above, the chief judges for administrative purposes at all levels may direct that certain matters or proceedings go forward despite the closure or delay, and shall ensure that bond hearings continue to be conducted at least once a day, if conditions are safe to do so.

Please refer to the State Emergency Management Division website, www.scemd.org/closings, or individual county government websites, for the status of state government offices for each county.